Log in

View Full Version : Toilets clogged drains make loud noises


Nmsparks
Oct 13, 2011, 08:22 PM
Okay I have 3 bathrooms one which currently doesn't have a toilet due to remodeling. But my downstairs toilet won't flush it did have a toy in it that was removed and the toilet worked but then stopped it keeps repeating that cycle also if thefes a loud vibration when flushed the same situation with the toilet upstairs a plunger is used very often it also makes the loud noise too. All other drains works fine... sometimes you can hear noises in the bathub drain too.please help

plumb382
Oct 13, 2011, 09:51 PM
If the toilets are the only thing backing up then you should run a toilet auger down them, plungers are less effective.But make sure that when you turn water on anywhere else in the house that the water isn't rising in the down stairs bathroom toilet in order to rule out a mainline blockage.Also run the same test upstairs by running the water in the sink in the bathroom the toilet is in.If the bowl rises or starts to bubble,you have a blockage in the wall,meaning the main from that toilet going to downstairs.If the water does not come back up in either toilet, the two problems are separate from each other. Getting a descent toilet auger, like a Rigid Closet auger from the hardware store is much stronger at clearing a bowl stoppage.At least it will tell if you need to pull each toilet,take them outside, and turn them upside down, and running the auger the opposite way.You really need the auger if you are trying to do it yourself.If one toy has already been found don't doubt there being more.The worst is to replace both toilets,but it's worth it to trade in that plunger,I never use them at my job.

speedball1
Oct 14, 2011, 05:42 AM
my downstairs toilet won't flush it did have a toy in it that was removed and the toilet worked but then stopped it keeps repeating that cycle In what way won't it flush? Will it back up? Will the bowl fill up swirl around and slowly drain don. Please describe the action. By "repeating the cycle"
Are you saying it fills the tank and flushes again and again until you shut the water off or hold the flapper down? Please describe that actionb? This vibration. Does it happen when you flush or when the tank fills. Can you describe the noise? In short we need more information before we can offer a solution. Back to you, Tom

Nmsparks
Oct 14, 2011, 05:59 AM
Okay sorry I'm terrible at explaining. I meant when I said it repeats I was talking about sometimes itflushes perfect other days it won't its like that in both bathrooms you can plunge it clear it works flushes good then stops fulshing and yes it backs up swirls and slowly drains the water but leaves the stuff... the toilet down stairs as of now has to have the shut off the other day when flushed it flooded my downstairs

I forgot the noise it really loud vibration in the wall when flushed if the water to the toilet down stairs is turned on it will make the same noise but only last a couple seconds it sounds like my pipes are going to vibrate out of the wall

Ok yes upstairs when shower is ran you can hear bubbles/small pops in the toilet but cannot see anything

speedball1
Oct 14, 2011, 06:36 AM
OK! Here's what you do. First follow Plumb382 advice and purchase a closet auger, (see image) and auger the toilets to be sure there's nothing down in the traps.

it backs up swirls and slowly drains the water but leaves the stuff... Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH! ) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. For a good solid flush they all have to work together,

upstairs when shower is ran you can hear bubbles/small pops in the toilet but cannot see anything This tells me that you have a partial blockage downstream from the toilet. Bubbles indicate a blowback of sewer gas when the discharge hits a partial blockage it bounces back sending sewer gas ahead of it, Those are the bubbles you hear. The solution would be to snake from the lavatory roof vent or pull the toilet and snake from there. It sounds like you have more then one problem going for you. Tackle them one at a time. Good luck, Tom